Indoor Environments and Green Buildings Policy Resource Center

Green Cleaning in Schools:

Developments in State Policy

District of Columbia

Summary: The DC Healthy Schools Act of 2010 requires all public schools in the District of Columbia to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Key Provisions:

Requirements for Using Green Cleaning Products. The law requires that all public schools in the District of Columbia use environmentally friendly cleaning products. The law also establishes an environmental programs office within D.C. government that is responsible for a range of other activities to promote healthy schools, including establishing an integrated pest management program and promoting EPA's Tools for Schools program in public schools to reduce exposure to environmental factors that impact asthma in children and adults.

Exceptions. Under the law, D.C. public schools are permitted to continue using conventional cleaning products until their existing supplies are exhausted.